Folking.com, November 2000
Bachue – The Butterfly (Big Bash Records BBRCD015)
Jazz has become the ‘buzz’ word on the open stage of world popular music at the moment with young upstarts such Jamie Cullum being bandied about as the new Elvis. Well, I can’t quite see it that way myself yet but at the same token I’m willing to admit that jazz has ingrained itself in my consciousness recently. Conjuring images of smoky backroom bars Bachue (pronounced ba-shoo-ey) feature the combined talents of Corrina Hewat (harp), David Milligan (piano), Donald Hay (drums) and Colin Steele (trumpet) and make their music essential listening. Despite the opening track that seems a little obscure for my tastes everything soon settles down by the second track ‘Light Of The Moon’ seductively sung by Corrina and I’m totally won over. A study in restraint the song’s sparse arrangement of gently plucked harp on a bed of sumptuous piano chords and gently employed brushwork is as pure as silk. Now, for those of you who feel betrayed that ‘folk’ has been cruelly exorcised from the repertoire need not worry as ‘Eilidh Shaw’s Trip In Germany’ and the wonderful Ivan Drever (from his days in Wolfstone) composition ‘Cleveland Park’ are given smart new arrangements. There’s even a version of Andy M Stewart’s ‘Orphan’s Wedding’ and the Robert Burns song ‘Mirk Mirk Is The Midnight Hour’ for the real traditionalists. This is an album that will catch you unawares with its uniqueness and it’s all the more refreshing for it. Go on, impress your friends and yourselves and put this music above the likes of Katie Melua for style and content. Oh yeah, another thing, it’s great to chill out to as well! Further information is available from the band’s website www.bachue.co.uk
Pete Fyfe